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What’s the best craic on Ireland’s west coast, lasts a week-long, and brings a great seaside town to life. It’s the Galway Races of course. Ireland’s biggest horse racing carnival outside of the main city Dublin. The prestige of these races brings people and horses from all over the British Isles, Europe and the rest of the world.
This year starting from 31st of July the festival took placethe racing festival called the Galway Races Summer Festival. It’s a great 7 day trackside festival, revolving around horse racing, and the other festivities that occur at the track, with fashion, betting, winning money, and having a refreshing beverage of your choice. This event is the best way and best time to experience what is called Ireland‘s cultural capital.
IRELAND, COUNTY GALWAY 2005 —DEALER PLATE WITH HOLOGRAM #137-G-05 (Photo credit: woody1778a)
During the 7 day racing festival the city swells, with all the visitors it attracts and the city centre, is closed to vehicular traffic making a large pedestrianised zone. The pubs spill over onto the sidewalk and the whole town is in a festive spirit. Most local businesses not directly involved with tourism shut down for the 7 days, to enjoy the own towns festive spirits.
The weather in Galway can change from sunny to a quick downpour in a short time. It’s common to get caught with no cover, and let the rain give you a good soaking. Luckily it’s the middle of summer in July, which should spare most people from getting a cold.
Galway Dock – VOR 1st Day (Photo credit: PierluigiCo)
One of the best days and most popular events of the racing festival is Ladies Day, Family Day and the Mad Hatters Competition. Apart from dressing up to the nines on most track days, Ladies Day is one of the most popular days, for all the fashion out on display, and the ladies really enjoy trying to look their best. The highlight of the day is the best dressed person competition, including the best dressed Lady, and the woman wearing the best Hat
Ladies Day, Galway Races. Photo taken at back of stand. Here people can relax, arrange to meet friends, have a seat, chat, buy refreshments, listen to live music or count your winnings (if you are lucky!). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Family Day another popular day for everyone caters for children, with things like face painting and bouncy castles
And what is the Mad Hatter’s Competition? This is another competition held at the festival where they find a winner wearing the craziest hat.
The races are such a cultural event in Ireland that they have inspired songs like that from the Pogues to name just one
If you’re planning a trip to the west coast of Ireland, and looking for a great craic make sure you’re there for the Galway Races, and you will never forget the great atmosphere that travelling in this green country gives. A when you charge your glasses don’t forget to say Sláinte
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